Internacional and Santos draw 1-1 in dramatic Brasileirão clash as Alan Patrick and Álvaro Barreal trade goals

When Sport Club Internacional hosted Santos Futebol Clube at the Estádio José Pinheiro Borda (Beira-Rio) on Monday, November 24, 2025, few expected the final whistle to blow on a 1-1 stalemate — but that’s exactly what happened. The draw, sealed by Álvaro Barreal’s stunning 62nd-minute equalizer, kept both teams trapped in the thick of Brazil’s top-flight relegation battle. Alan Patrick Lourenço had put Internacional ahead with a cool finish just before the 20-minute mark, turning a quiet first half into a tense, pulsating affair. The result leaves Internacional clinging to 11th place, just two points above the drop zone, while Santos — despite their away record of just 18% wins — remain mathematically alive in the race for a Copa Libertadores spot.

Goals, Grit, and Last-Minute Drama

It was a classic Beira-Rio atmosphere: rain-slicked pitch, 48,000 fans roaring, and the kind of tension only a late-season clash between historic rivals can produce. Internacional’s opener came from a moment of individual brilliance. A long ball from midfield found Alan Patrick Lourenço in space just outside the box. He took one touch to kill it, another to set himself, and fired low and hard past Santos goalkeeper João Paulo. The goal was his fifth of the season — and his third in the last four games.

But Santos, under pressure after losing 2-1 in their previous meeting in July, didn’t fold. They pressed higher, switched to a 4-2-3-1, and finally cracked the code in the 62nd minute. Substitute Álvaro Barreal, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes, received a diagonal pass from Guilherme Augusto Vieira dos Santos. With his back to goal, he spun, feinted a shot, and curled the ball around the keeper and inside the far post. The goal was so precise, even the home fans clapped.

Substitutions That Changed the Game

Managerial decisions proved decisive. Santos head coach Paulo Autuori made two changes at the start of the second half — bringing on Barreal and Guilherme for Victor Hugo and Robson. The move paid off immediately. Barreal’s introduction shifted the balance, and Guilherme’s vision unlocked the final third. Internacional responded at the 78th minute, replacing striker Rafael Santos Borré with defensive midfielder Ricardo Mathias — a sign they were content to protect the draw. The substitution worked. Santos threw everything forward in the final 10 minutes, but Internacional’s backline held firm, led by captain Luan, who made six clearances and three interceptions.

Historical Rivalry, Modern Stakes

This was the 24th meeting between the two clubs in Brasileirão history. Internacional leads the head-to-head with 11 wins, Santos has just four, and eight have ended in draws. Their last encounter — a 2-1 Internacional win in July — was marked by controversy over a disputed penalty. This time, there was no drama off the pitch, just football at its most raw. The Beira-Rio, home to Internacional since 1969 and built to hold 50,101 fans, was packed to 96% capacity. The crowd’s energy didn’t waver, even when Santos equalized. For many, it was a reminder that in Brazil, football isn’t just sport — it’s identity.

Who’s Affected? The Bigger Picture

With only two matchdays left, this draw has ripple effects across the league. Internacional now sits on 47 points, just one ahead of Ceará in 12th. Santos, with 51 points, are still five behind the final Libertadores spot — but they’ve now drawn five of their last seven away games. Their away form is a nightmare: only three wins in 17 road matches this season. Meanwhile, the result gives a lifeline to Botafogo and Fortaleza, who now have clearer paths to European qualification. Experts are already calling this one of the most pivotal matches of the season. "This wasn’t just about three points," said former Brazil international and pundit Zico in a post-match interview. "It was about momentum. Santos needed to prove they could win away. Internacional needed to prove they could survive. Both got what they needed — and neither got what they wanted."

Media and Fan Reach Across the Americas

Despite no official broadcast in Argentina, fans there streamed the match via unofficial channels. In Brazil, the game was carried live by Amazon Prime Video, Rede Globo, SporTV, and Premiere. Radio coverage was equally passionate: Energia 97 FM in Porto Alegre, with Zé Henrique’s voice echoing through the city’s streets, and Rádio Bandeirantes Campinas, which reached listeners as far as São Paulo. Both stations streamed live on YouTube and Instagram, drawing over 120,000 combined viewers — a record for non-official broadcasts in the region. WhatsApp groups linked to both clubs exploded with commentary, memes, and heated debates. One fan in São Paulo posted: "Santos still can’t win away... but at least they didn’t lose. That’s progress?"

What’s Next?

Internacional faces Atlético Mineiro at home next Saturday, a match that could make or break their survival hopes. Santos travels to Bahia, a team that has lost only once at home this season. Both need wins. A draw for either side could be fatal. The final matchday — December 7 — will see Internacional host Fluminense, while Santos face São Paulo at the Vila Belmiro. If the standings stay this tight, the last game could be a relegation decider for one, and a continental ticket for the other.